tommyleestaples Posted February 18 Posted February 18 Hi all, I have just had a shell extension done and I am about to install all the back boxes for the sockets. I know with new builds sockets have to be 450mm from the floor but as this is an extension am I able to install them the same height as the existing house? Just wanted to double check.
Super_Paulie Posted February 18 Posted February 18 yeah you can do them to the height of the existing. My BC officer said this in December 2023: "You are correct that the regulations, for new dwellings, would be for sockets to be placed at the height of 450mm. Given that you are replicating the existing arrangements, I would have no objections." For what its worth i did mine lower to match existing but in hindsight i wish i made them higher.
kandgmitchell Posted February 18 Posted February 18 Yes, the requirement for a raised height is in Part M - Access to and Use of Buildings of the Building Regulations. This only applies to new buildings and not extensions. Having said that I've found the higher locations much easier to use! 1
sgt_woulds Posted February 18 Posted February 18 Am I right in thinking there is a minimum height but no maximum? All of mine are set out 1m above the floor level. So much easier on dodgy knees and back. At my mother's house, one of the rooms has all of the sockets just below the ceiling!
JohnMo Posted February 18 Posted February 18 Our last house (1830s build) when we had it rewired we had all the sockets put at minimum 450mm. Way easier to get at, you never know when you may need that extra height.
Dreadnaught Posted February 18 Posted February 18 Keep in mind that the Part M requirements are for "adequate provision" within the zone. In mine build I have some outside the zone where it is desirable but in each case put another socket nearby within the mandated zone. My electrician is fine with it. 1
kandgmitchell Posted February 18 Posted February 18 The centre line of the sockets should be between 450mm and 1200mm so presumably they are most convenient for a wheelchair user but this is for new dwellings.
JohnMo Posted February 18 Posted February 18 6 minutes ago, kandgmitchell said: wheelchair user but this is for new dwellings A wheel chair user can be in any dwelling and could be anyone, even if you think your able bodied. One fall in the ice, could have you on crutches or in a wheelchair for weeks. 1
peekay Posted February 18 Posted February 18 For our almost complete knock down and rebuild, our BCO said that we would be fine with lower sockets. We chose to put them in at the higher position. At some point we may appreciate not needing to get on our knees to plug things in. I've also not once looked at them and thought that they look high, or considered the plugs to be at an inconvenient height on walls. My general view on most things is that Building Regs are there for a good reason, and should be a guide rather than something to rely and get around. 1
SteamyTea Posted February 18 Posted February 18 (edited) I don't mind getting down on my knees, or the getting up after. What really does me in though, if pretending that I can still bend down and do something, For some reason, my back has decided that it must not bend any more. As an example, today at work, I bent over to put something on a shelf that is about 600mm from the floor. No problem bending down, putting the stuff on the shelf. I then said to my work mate that I had been stupid and would struggle to straighten up again. I did struggle. As for sockets. I have often thought that using unswitched sockets, flush in the wall, then painted the same colour as the wall, would look very unobtrusive. Edited February 18 by SteamyTea
Mattg4321 Posted February 18 Posted February 18 If you mean actually plastered in flush, so they are not proud even by the depth of the plate, don't ever do that! Total nightmare when they need to be removed for whatever reason. EICR/Testing for fault/Replacement when faulty. Also, unswitched sockets look naff in my opinion!
sgt_woulds Posted February 20 Posted February 20 In Europe most sockets don't have switches. Funny old world.
Blooda Posted February 20 Posted February 20 2 hours ago, sgt_woulds said: In Europe most sockets don't have switches. Funny old world. You don't need them there, you just wiggle the plug to turn it on and off. 🤣
Temp Posted February 20 Posted February 20 On 18/02/2025 at 19:42, SteamyTea said: What really does me in though, if pretending that I can still bend down and do something, For some reason, my back has decided that it must not bend any more. Had a proper Thai massage this week. Did wonders for my back.
SteamyTea Posted February 20 Posted February 20 25 minutes ago, Temp said: a proper Thai massage this week There is a Thai woman that wonders along the Prom. Can't understand a (expletive deleted)ing word she says.
kandgmitchell Posted February 20 Posted February 20 34 minutes ago, SteamyTea said: Can't understand a (expletive deleted)ing word she says. It's probably cornish then......
SteamyTea Posted February 20 Posted February 20 1 minute ago, kandgmitchell said: It's probably cornish then...... Only when she shouts. 1
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